AFL Trade Period Day Four Live Updates
The AFL’s trade period is in full swing as day four brings fresh twists to the free agency and trade picture. From potential Clayton Oliver moves to lingering questions about Zach Merrett and the ongoing chatter around Charlie Curnow and Christian Petracca, supporters are scanning every social post and press conference for clues. Here’s a concise update on where things stand this Thursday morning and what it could mean for clubs across the league.
Key Developments on Day Four
Clayton Oliver and a possible GWS move: Rumours intensified overnight that Oliver is weighing a move to the Giants. Reports from Nine’s Mitch Cleary and AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey suggest Oliver could confirm his destination within the next 24 hours. Collingwood had shown interest, but Craig McRae indicated contact with Oliver had been limited as the midfielder spent time in Sydney. The situation remains fluid, with Melbourne and Oliver’s camp yet to publicly lock in a final decision.
Zach Merrett update: After days of silence from Essendon, there’s still no breakthrough. The Bombers have held firm on their stance, while Hawthorn’s level of interest remains unclear. Merrett’s future looms as a barometer for how other clubs assess the mid-season mover market as the window progresses.
Charlie Curnow and Carlton: Carlton is waiting on clubs to present offers for the star forward. No firm movement has been reported yet, keeping fans on edge as negotiations and list discussions continue. The outcome will heavily influence Carlton’s forward line volatility next season.
Christian Petracca and the Suns: Gold Coast remains optimistic about pursuing Petracca but has been clear on which players are unavailable. Suns list boss Craig Cameron stressed that while negotiations could unfold, Bailey Humphrey will not be part of any Petracca deal. The Suns are keen to keep options open, aiming to land a marquee talent who can contribute across multiple forward roles.
Other News and Voices
Bailey Humphrey saga at Gold Coast: The Suns have been steadfast: Humphrey is not going anywhere. Cameron highlighted the evolving landscape where contracted players can request trades, but clubs have the final say. The tension around player movement remains a talking point across the AFL media landscape.
Ugle-Hagan moving toward Gold Coast: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan appears set for a Suns medical and a contract agreement pending AFL clearance. If completed, he would join a Suns program eager to bolster its forward line with his pace and goal sense.
A Balanced View: Is the Free Agency System Flawed?
The talk this year centers on whether the free agency framework is functioning as it should. Some pundits, including former players like James Hird, have voiced concerns about the fairness and transparency of compo picks and the overall market dynamics. Proponents argue that free agency injects competition and flexibility, allowing players to seek improved opportunities while clubs recalibrate lists to maintain depth. The current debate highlights a broader question: should compensation be more standardized to prevent unintended distortions in player movement, or is the market simply reflecting evolving club strategies and player ambitions?
As day four unfolds, supporters will be watching closely to see if concrete deals emerge for Oliver, Merrett, Curnow, or Petracca—and whether the AFL’s trade and free agency rules help or hinder the process. The outcome could shape club strategies well into the off-season and define how fans view the balance between loyalty and opportunity.
What to Watch Next
- Any definitive Clayton Oliver destination announcement
- Movement or offers for Charlie Curnow from Carlton
- Ongoing Petracca negotiations and potential Suns arrangements
- Further clarifications on Bailey Humphrey’s contract status
Stay tuned for more live updates as AFL clubs refine their lists and executives debate the best path forward for the 2025 season.
